August 2022 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS by Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

E FR

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

SHELLFISH GROWN

SUSTAINABLY

HATCH FAIRHOPE

sustainable business incubator toolbox for raising a well - rounded kid the power in your words eco - friendly packaging trends August 2022 | Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition | NAGulfCoast.com

letter from publisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

GULF COAST EDITION PUBLISHER Michelle Smith EDITOR Julie Peterson LAYOUT Melanie Rankin AD DESIGN Zack Smith

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Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 NaturalAwakenings.com

© 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Dear Friends,

You’ll be happy to know that Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast contains no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives and no high fructose corn syrup. We use only the essential, whole ingredients worthy to deliver pure, fresh flavors month after month, year after year. Ha! Bet you thought you were reading a food label? Just thought I would try something a little different to win your attention… In honor of Self-Empowerment month, I would like to pay homage to our entrepreneurs. The people you see in most of the pages to follow are entrepreneurs, God bless them! I looked up the definition: A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. I would say this is an understatement. Entrepreneurs are most certainly a different breed. They are wired unlike most people. Here are some of the ‘don’ts they experience: They don’t keep regular hours, nope, it’s different every day depending on demand. They sometimes don’t eat right, don’t take a break, don’t look up, don’t talk to others, they just “go.” Some of the do’s: They work hard, they make deals, they take risks, they bend the rules (not the rules that count, but the rules they set for themselves). They keep score on those around them who are helpful and those who are not and then they strike the ones who are not helpful from the list, because they need lots of help from trusted people. They do make endless lists on scraps of paper, on their phone, on the bathroom mirror, on a bulletin board for everyone to see, just about anywhere. Here is my favorite saying about lists: Whether you are an entrepreneur or anyone else who works hard to take care of others or others’ businesses, I think it all boils down to this particular list. Make a list of things that make you happy. Make a list of things you do every day. Compare the lists. Adjust accordingly. Ordinary, everyday, small successes make me happy. So, my list usually consists of things that will contribute to these small successes. Here’s my list: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Thank God for each day anew. Make someone’s day better. Do things I can be proud of. Ask for help when I need it (especially through prayer).

Thank you for reading my letter, I hope I have made your day brighter and made you smile. Please support our local entrepreneurs. They work hard to deliver healthy, natural alternatives to all of us every day. I would love to hear your list of things that make you happy. Please post on our Facebook page, NaturalAwakeningsMag, or contact me directly at MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. God bless and keep you, Michelle

Michelle Smith, Publisher

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

12 SUSTAINABLE

SHELLFISH

Superfood of the Sea

16 RAISING A

WELL-ROUNDED CHILD

Practical Ways to Build Lasting Life Skills

20 MARK MINCOLLA on the Healing Power of Our Superconsciousness

24 THE GREENING OF

PACKAGING

Cleaning and Personal Care Products Go Eco

27 CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE

28 TAKE A SILENT HIKE

Tips for Walking Mindfully in Nature

30 PREVENTING DOG DEMENTIA

Five Strategies to Preserve Cognitive Health

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 251-990-9552 or email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit dated and ongoing calendar events online at NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com. 4

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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32 MINDFUL KUDOS

Best Ways to Praise Kids and Boost Self-Confidence

DEPARTMENTS 5 local briefs 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 12 conscious eating 15 business spotlight 20 wise words 22 healthy eats 24 green living 26 eco tip

27 inspiration 28 fit body 30 natural pet 32 healthy kids 34 classifieds 34 calendar 35 community

directory

local briefs

Reduce Toxins and Inflammation with Electro-Lymphatic Therapy

n a fast-paced life, it can be a challenge to prioritize jobs, family, finances and friendships, so it is paramount that one learns to consistently care for oneself. “I’m realizing more and more the importance of taking care of myself and how that enables me to help others and to be more successful in all areas of my life,” says Carolyn Olson, founder of Thermography Advantage and Certified Clinical Thermographer. When Olson was in her 30s, she had quite a few health problems. She had to sit up to sleep due to severe acid reflux, she had hives plus joint pain and her doctors suspected lupus. Many tests later, with no specific diagnosis, her immunologist said that she was allergic to almost every food. She began to keep a food diary and figured out that it was the preservatives and additives in the food that were bothering her. She decided to eat clean and organic, and even went to managers at local Mobile grocery stores about carrying organic foods. Some took her advice. Eventually, Olson found the lymphatic therapy that Thermography Advantage provides now, to deliver additional help with the toxins and inflammation in her body. After the therapy, for the first time in her life, she was able to tolerate some additives and preservatives in foods because her lymphatic system was eliminating toxins and not getting overloaded.

Olson chose Electro-Lymphatic Therapy to improve her life and is now sharing it with other people because it helps the body to heal itself. It’s noninvasive, painless and very calming and relaxing, like having a light touch massage. The certified lymphatic therapist uses an instrument that has two small handheld wands that are lightly and slowly moved across the body in the direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. Since lymphatic organs are part of the immune system, the proper flow of the lymphatic fluid can have a positive impact on many conditions, especially helping to reduce inflammation and toxins throughout the body. Call for an appointment in one of four locations: Mobile or Foley, AL, and Pensacola or Destin, FL. Visit ThermographyAdvantage. com for more information. See ad, page 17.

Bishop PT

251-626-7778 • Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com August 2022

Nature’s Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus before it starts

By Doug Cornell

cientists have discovered a with a tip to fit in the bottom of the natural way to kill germs fast. nostril, where viruses collect. Now thousands of people When he felt a tickle in his nose are using it against viruses and bacteria like a cold about to start, he rubbed that cause illness. the copper gently in his nose for 60 Colds and seconds. many other “It illnesses start worked!” he when viruses exclaimed. get in your “The cold nose and never multiply. If happened. you don’t stop I used to them early, get 2-3 bad they spread colds every and cause year. Now New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds. misery. I use my Hundreds of studies confirm copper device whenever I feel a sign I am about kills viruses and bacteria almost to get sick.” instantly just by touch. He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years. That’s why ancient Greeks and Users say: Egyptians used copper to purify water “It works! I love it!” and heal wounds. They didn’t know “I can’t believe how good my nose about viruses and bacteria, but now we feels.” do. “Is it supposed to work that fast?” “The antimicrobial activity of copper “One of the best presents ever.” is well established.” National Institutes “Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!” of Health. Scientists say copper’s high “Cold sores gone!” conductance disrupts the electrical “It saved me last holidays. The kids balance in a microbe cell and destroys it all got sick, but not me.” in seconds. “I am shocked! My sinus cleared, The EPA recommended hospitals use no more headache, no more copper for touch surfaces like faucets congestion.” and doorknobs. This cut the spread of “Best sleep I’ve had in years!” MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives. After his first success with it, he The strong scientific evidence asked relatives and friends to try it. gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. They all said it worked, so he patented He made a smooth copper probe CopperZap® and put it on the market. ADVERTORIAL Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition NAGulfCoast.com 6

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat. Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life. Customers report using copper against: Colds Flu Virus variants Sinus trouble Cold sores Fever blisters Canker sores Strep Night stuffiness Morning congestion Skin infections Infected sores Infected wounds Styes Ringworm Other microbial threats

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched. The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished. Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.” CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA29. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call tollfree 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

local briefs

Summer Tea Time

100-degree day is the norm in August on the gulf coast. That’s why refreshing and hydrating thirst quenchers are essential. Fairhope Health Foods and Virginia’s Health Foods carries options that quench thirst and simultaneously boost health. “The current trend among customers at Virginia’s Health Foods is brewing loose herbs into warm teas to provide a comforting experience,” says Kenny Hardin, Virginia’s Assistant Manager. “With our vast selection of herbs, the ultimate outcome is improved health.” An example of some popular tea selections purchased by patrons at the two locations includes mint leaves, dried hibiscus flowers, sifted bulbs of chamomile and mullein leaf. One of most beneficial aspects of purchasing herbs in bulk is that they can be blended into specialized formulations that are personalized to the user. A stress blend, for example, would utilize ingredients such as holy basil, passionflower or catnip. “Another perk of buying herbs loose is lower cost,” says Hardin. Buy a little or buy a lot but pay only for the amount that is needed. Due to the flexible quantities of bulk purchases, some have turned their interest in tea brewing and natural medicine into small businesses either selling their formulations to friends and family or using platforms such as social media to influence a much greater audience of followers. “At Virginia’s or Fairhope Health Foods we welcome everyone to visit our store and take the next step towards improved health with our natural food, vitamin and supplement selections,” says Hardin.

Locations: Fairhope Health Foods, 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL. 251-928-0644. Virginia’s Health Foods, 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL. 251-479-3952. Va-Fairhope HealthFoods.com. See ad, below.

Bring healthy home. Homegrown & Family-Owned In Lower Alabama Since 1975 Fairhope Health Foods 251-928-0644

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August 2022

Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.com

With 82 percent of Americans using apps like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, scrolling through social media has become an unconscious automatic behavior for many. But that distraction comes with a price, indicates a new study by the UK’s University of Bath. Half of the 154 participants ages 18 to 72 stopped using virtually all social media for one week, reducing their average usage time from eight hours to 21 minutes for that period. After the seven days, they showed significant improvements in their well-being, depression and anxiety scores compared to those in a control group that did not take such a break. “Scrolling social media is so ubiquitous that many of us do it almost without thinking, from the moment we wake up to when we close our eyes at night,” says lead researcher Jeff Lambert. “But if you are spending hours each week scrolling and you feel it is negatively impacting you, it could be worth cutting down on your usage to see if it helps.”

Eat Green and Orange Produce to Lower Dementia Risk

Simone Impe /Unsplash.com

Green veggies and orange fruits can help stave off dementia, according to new findings from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging. Researchers gave 7,283 people physical exams and blood tests, and then monitored them for dementia symptoms for 16 years. Those with higher levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin in their blood had significantly less incidence of dementia compared to those with lower levels of these antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, peas and broccoli. Beta-cryptoxanthin is found in orange fruits like papaya, oranges and persimmons. 8

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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The key role that the microbiome plays in children’s health has been documented in a new study that links gut health to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and the National University of Natural Medicine tested 135 children with ADHD that took no medication. For eight weeks, half of the children took a placebo and half took vitamin and mineral supplements at doses between the recommended daily allowance and what is considered the upper tolerable limit. The ones taking the micronutrients were three times more likely to show symptomatic improvement on blinded clinician ratings, compared to those in the placebo group (54 percent versus 18 percent).

Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to Lower Long-Term Pain Risk Taking anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief can actually lead to chronic long-term pain, say researchers from Canada’s McGill University in the journal Science Translational Medicine. They found evidence of less healing in 98 lower back pain patients that took steroids or a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) compared to participants that did not take such medications. A similar study on mice led to the conclusion that NSAIDs and steroids increased the tendency for prolonged, chronic pain. Examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib and high-dose aspirin. Analyzing the records of 500,000 people in the UK, the researchers also found that those taking anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain were more likely to still have that pain two to 10 years later. The study authors theorize that lowering inflammation blocks the activity of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that sets the stage for tissue damage repair. “Inflammation occurs for a reason, and it looks like it’s dangerous to interfere with it,” says senior author Jeffrey S. Mogil, Ph.D.

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Take a Social Media Break to Improve Mental Health

Optimize Gut Health in Kids with ADHD or Autism Symptoms

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health briefs

Follow a Mediterranean Diet to Tackle Depression

micheile dot com /Pexels.com

Depression has risen during the pandemic among people ages 18 to 24. A recent Rutgers University survey found that half of a group of young adults reported moderate or severe symptoms of depression and another 23 percent noted milder symptoms. A new Australian study points to an effective strategy: a Mediterranean diet. Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney tested 72 men with depression between 18 and 25 years of age. After 12 weeks, those in the group that ate colorful vegetables, legumes, whole grains, oily fish, olive oil and raw, unsalted nuts had significantly lower levels of depression and reported a higher quality of life compared to those in the control group that did not cut back on fast foods, sugar and red meats. “We were surprised by how willing the young men were to take on a new diet,” says lead researcher Jessica Bayes. “Many were keen to continue the diet once the study ended, which shows how effective, tolerable and worthwhile they found the intervention. It suggests that medical doctors and psychologists should consider referring depressed young men to a nutritionist or dietitian as an important component of treating clinical depression.”

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SOOTHING SCENTS

Top Eight Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief

Dr. Brown is one of only a few functional neurologists in the U.S. providing brain pathway activation therapy in conjunction with deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Bredesen’s science-based nutritional program. August 2022

global briefs

Finding Nemo

Smoke Screen

To better track the location and movement of marine fish in U.S. waters, The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is using a new interactive website, the Distribution Mapping and Analysis Portal. It demonstrates that the ranges of many marine species are shifting, expanding and contracting in response to changing ocean conditions. Intended to improve data sharing and collaboration, it will facilitate judgements about fishery management and increase knowledge about species distribution. The portal displays data from NOAA Fisheries bottom trawl surveys for five regions (Northeast, Southeast, Gulf of Mexico, West Coast and Alaska) and includes a map viewer and graphing capabilities for more than 800 marine fish and invertebrate species. Understanding where species are distributed and the factors that drive patterns are important for species conservation and management. Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA administrator, says, “Changes in fish stocks can have significant economic and cultural impacts for communities and businesses across the U.S. The visualization capabilities of this new tool boost our ability to turn the data NOAA collects into robust decision-making resources for the entire fishery management community, helping build a climate-ready nation.”

The once-common sight of public smoking is fast disappearing from society, but cigarette butts are still the most common source of plastic pollution in the global environment, not bottles, plastic bags or food wrappers. Smokers generate almost 900,000 tons of toxic waste annually, deposited on streets, landfills, rivers and beaches in every country. They take 10 or more years to degrade, releasing more than 7,000 toxic chemicals into the environment. The Ocean Conservancy found partially digested cigarette butts in 70 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of sea turtles sampled in one study. The industry sponsors clean-ups, anti-littering campaigns and other gestures to distract the public, say critics. Cigarettes could theoretically be banned if they were treated as single-use plastics. Smokeless and chewing forms of tobacco like gutka and khaini are sold in South Asia, with millions of their plastic pouches littering the environment. From the mining of materials for batteries to metal and plastic waste leaching into soil and water, electronic tobacco and nicotine products such as vaping are creating a new wave of pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported last year that lithium-ion batteries are entering municipal waste systems because consumers dispose of these products labeled as disposable in household trash.

JJ Gouin/AdobeStock.com

Brian Yurasits/Pexels.com

Tobacco Industry is Big Plastic Polluter

New Underwater Maps Track Fish

Mini-Amazon

Brazilian Atlantic Forest Faces Danger Marcio Isensee e Sá/AdobeStock.com

The enormous green blob of Amazon rainforest that dominates Brazil’s interior known as the “lungs of the world” has become a familiar topic of preservation. But there is another important region along the coast, the Mata Atlantica, that is fighting for its life against overdevelopment, where deforestation surged 66 percent last year. A report from SOS Mata Atlantica documents the loss of 53,479 acres of forest cover from November 2020 to October 2021, up two-thirds from the previous year based on satellite monitoring data, releasing around 11 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. SOS spokesman Luis Guedes Pinto says, “We weren’t expecting such a huge increase. We thought the Atlantic forest would be a bit more immune to the explosion of deforestation (in other parts of Brazil) as a region with more governance and policing.” Critics cite the government undermining environmental protection programs to benefit agribusiness. Since 2019, average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon overall has increased by 75 percent from the previous decade, according to official figures. “Research shows the Atlantic forest is one of the biomes that will have to be urgently restored if we are to reach the goal of holding global warming to 1.5 degrees C in line with the Paris climate accord,” says Pinto. 10

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Fallow Fields

Greenwash ‘N’ Wear

A new study, “Rural Land Abandonment Is Too Ephemeral to Provide Major Benefits for Biodiversity and Climate,” from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs published in the journal Science Advances analyzed the phenomenon of farmers worldwide moving to urban centers due to finances, conflicts or climate change. This rural outmigration is leaving hundreds of millions of acres of cropland abandoned, affording an opportunity for ecological restoration and carbon sequestration that could lead to a positive impact on the climate crisis if the land is allowed to regenerate. The report states, “Unless policymakers take steps to reduce recultivation or provide incentives for regeneration, abandonment will remain a missed opportunity to reduce biodiversity loss and climate change.” David Wilcove, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and public affairs at the High Meadows Environmental Institute, one of the co-authors of the study, says, “As people move from rural areas into cities, there is a chance for wildlife and the climate to gain ground, literally, as abandoned farms and pastures revert back to forests and grasslands.” However, he also notes, “Our work shows that this is not happening, because the abandoned lands are being rapidly recultivated.”

The Changing Markets Foundation, founded in 2015 and based in the Netherlands, discovered that environmental certification programs claiming to verify the sustainability of fashion brands facilitate “greenwashing” for the apparel industry. A recent report proposes the certification programs provide, at best, a “patchy promise of sustainability.” The organization’s analysis of voluntary efforts designed to reduce fashion’s growing environmental footprint found the efforts instead led to increased pollution, and are helping to solidify the industry’s reliance on nonrenewable resources. The report, which evaluated 10 of the most prominent sustainability certification programs for the fashion industry, states that fashion retailers are “lauded for working towards the reduction of plastic hangers, bags and other packaging, while their huge and growing use of plastic for clothes passes under the radar.” George Harding-Rolls, a campaign manager at Changing Markets and lead author of the report, says, “Waste increases, utilization of clothes decreases and reliance on fossil fuels increases, yet these schemes continue to exist and say that sustainable fashion is just around the corner. This is actually preventing us from taking the more systemic action that we need, such as more regulation and legislation.”

coming in september

Inspired Living

Fashion Industry Sustainability Campaigns Fall Short

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Abandoned Farmland Regeneration Can Mitigate Climate Change

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August 2022

conscious eating

Sustainable Shellfish SUPERFOOD OF THE SEA by April Thompson

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

NAGulfCoast.com

he perfect food may not be underfoot, but rather, underwater. It’s delicious, fast-growing, nutritionally dense, sustainably produced, locally available from coast to coast and comes in nature’s own sturdy packaging. “Shellfish is the most sustainable protein on the planet. There are no antibiotics, no pesticides, no fertilizer and no feed needed to raise shellfish,” says Bob Rheault, executive director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, which represents 1,500 shellfish farmers from Maine to Florida. Shellfish is a nutritional powerhouse, providing proteins, essential amino acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fats, vitamins and carotenoids. The drastically shorter life cycle of shellfish compared to other farmed seafood also means shellfish producers can generate more food more quickly. Shellfish also offer many ecological benefits; they filter the water, remove excess nutrients and create habitat for juvenile fish, Rheault says. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, according to the Oyster Recovery Partnership, an organization that restores reefs in conjunction with a shell recycling network of restaurants and public drop sites across the mid-Atlantic region. Ray Hilborn, a biologist and professor at the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, in Seattle, has compared the relative environmental costs of different food sources, including grains, poultry and imitation, plant-based meats. He has found that farmed shellfish, specifically mollusks like oysters, clams and mussels, provide the lowest impact protein of them all. “Shellfish has a very low carbon footprint and enormous yield per area,” he

“Shellfish has a very low carbon footprint and enormous yield per area.”

jag_cz/DepositPhotos.com

Ray Hilborn says. “Mussel farms, for example, are pretty much just ropes hung from rafts, with no changes to the ecosystem or loss of biodiversity, as compared to agriculture.” Bivalve shellfish like clams and oysters are mainly sourced from farms because wild stocks are largely depleted due to overharvesting, habitat loss and other contributing factors. “Somewhere around 90 percent of mussels and oysters on the market are farmed,” Rheault says. “If you see perfect-looking oysters at the raw bar, you know they are farmed. Out of the wild, they can look gnarly.” Restorative aquaculture, which produces seafood using scientific principles that enhance coastal environments, may be one of the best opportunities to restore ecosystems while feeding the Earth’s growing population, according to a report from The Nature Conservancy. However, Hilborn points to “the impact of food, not just how it’s grown, but how it got to you.” Processed shellfish has a bigger carbon footprint, so it’s ecologically desirable to look for fresh, local options whenever possible. Local production has a culinary benefit, too. “Every waterway has its own unique ‘merroir’, or flavor, that comes from the local environment. The differing levels of salinity and minerality, among other things, can lead to a very different flavor,” adds Rheault. While there is only one dominant species of oyster on the East Coast, there are three varieties found on the West Coast and dozens more around the world, each with different flavor profiles, according to Rheault; oysters also have differing flavors throughout the year. “Fall oysters have a rich, full flavor; they can be skinny in the spring. I like them in winter best of all.” Perry Raso, owner of the Matunuck Oyster Bar and Farm, in Wakefield, Rhode Island, and a leader in the growing shellfish farming industry, grew up digging littleneck clams as a youngster. He earned a graduate degree in aquaculture before launching and growing a multifaceted business, including a restaurant, a seven-acre oyster farm and an organic vegetable farm. He raises and sells more than 1 million mature oysters a year and also supplies 5 million seed oysters to other aqua farmers. Voted one of the top 20 seafood restaurants in the country by Time Out, Matunuck Oyster Bar serves several shellfish delicacies, including a classic oyster stew made with rosemary broth, scallop ceviche, quinoa crab salad and oysters on the half shell with a cucumber passionfruit gazpacho. The menu also features “vegan scallops” made from seared king oyster mushrooms. Rheault’s favorite way to eat an oyster, though, is simply with two drops of lime. “The lime knocks out your salt receptors and allows you to really taste the other flavors,” he says. “Grilling is another great way to introduce people to oysters. You don’t even need to shuck them; the grilling firms up the meat.”

Fresh, Local Seafood ‘On The Go’

hrimp On The Go is locally owned and operated with a store in Foley and appearing inside the Coastal Farmers & Fishermens Market every Saturday. All wild-caught selections include Louisiana crawfish (in season), crabmeat, fresh oysters (from Bon Secour), clams, scallops, mussels, royal reds, salmon, Alabama coastal fish like snapper, grouper and trigger fish, along with cobia, mahi mahi, sushi grade yellowfin tuna, flounder, tilapia, swordfish, catfish and redfish. Shrimp On The Go also offers meals for one or more, raw or steamed. There is housemade gumbo every Friday, stuffed crabs, shrimp stuffed potatoes, three different flavors of hushpuppies and crab stuffed jalapeño poppers. The newest and really popular specialty is twice baked shrimp stuffed potatoes. Delivery is also available. “We stress freshness and consistency. Customer service is top-notch because we are family owned and we do our jobs with love,” says Chase Martinez, owner. “My mom always says when things are meant to be, they’ll be. That’s why we are Baldwin’s Best #1 Seafood market in Baldwin County this year, 2022. We had the vision many years ago about setting up shop in this area and now we have almost outgrown our location since 2016,” says Martinez. Indeed, the business has expanded from offering only raw seafood and now has many varieties of local fish and other seafood specialty items, including meals to go.

Location: Shrimp on the Go Seafood Market, 20733 Miflin Rd., Ste C, Foley, AL (at Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market). Facebook.com/ShrimpOTG. Contact ShrimpOTG@gmail.com.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com. August 2022

BASIL GRILLED OYSTERS

Heart of palm: The tender chewy texture of hearts of palm, flavored well, can serve as a surprising proxy for shellfish and seafood, particularly for rich dishes like fried calamari, lobster rolls or crab salad.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

SAUTÉED MUSSELS 4 cups mussels ½ oz extra-virgin olive oil 1 oz chopped yellow onion 1 oz chopped fresh garlic 1 oz white wine 1 oz Pernod (licorice liqueur) Juice of one freshly squeezed, whole lemon 1 oz chopped, fresh basil

Source: Matt Schwab, Beal’s Lobster Pier

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Source: Deja Knight McMillan

Heat the oil in sauté pan. Add mussels and dome with a second sauté pan. Once all mussels have opened, add the onions and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent. Add white wine and bring to a quick boil. Add the Pernod and cook until the alcohol has burned off. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and basil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and enjoy.

For those seeking a plantbased diet for ethical or other reasons, it’s worth noting that a subset of vegans believe that consuming oysters and mussels does not contradict their commitment to a compassionate diet, given that bivalves lack a central nervous system. This somewhat controversial offshoot of veganism even has its own name—ostroveganism, from the Latin word ostrea, meaning oyster.

In a blender, combine and process the basil vinaigrette ingredients. Top freshly shucked oysters with a dash of the vinaigrette and place on the grill for 5 minutes at medium-high heat. Before removing them from the grill, sprinkle on some grated pecorino Romano cheese.

WEB EXCLUSIVE AT NAGULFCOAST.COM! CIOPPINO SEAFOOD SOUP

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Seaweed: Kelp, dulse and other edible algae can also add a touch of that salty, sea-kissed flavor of shellfish, as well as important trace minerals and antioxidants, to dishes like chowders and stews without adding empty calories.

2 cups basil 1 small shallot 1 clove of garlic Dash of red pepper flakes ⅔ cup of olive oil 4 Tbsp champagne or red wine vinegar

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King oyster mushrooms: This mushroom is a misnomer perhaps, as its meaty stem, sliced in one-inch sections and sautéed or broiled, looks and tastes more like a scallop than an oyster. In general, mushrooms have a similar mouthfeel to shellfish: The chitin found in the shells of crustaceans are also a key compound in fungi. They can be added to many dishes as a satisfying substitute for seafood and other animal proteins. However, shellfish and mushroom allergies can overlap as a result of chitin sensitivities, so allergy sufferers should proceed with caution.

BASIL VINAIGRETTE:

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Vegans or people with shellfish allergies can still enjoy the rich umami flavor of an oyster or clam with a little creativity. Here are a few suggested alternatives.

Oysters, freshly shucked

photo courtesy of Matt Schwabb Beal's Lobster Pier

VEGAN SHELLFISH ALTERNATIVES

business spotlight

Hatch Fairhope FOSTERS SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS INCUBATOR FOR TECH-FOCUSED ENTREPRENEURS

airhopians want to keep their town small and Hatch Fairhope helps with that by allowing local-based tech entrepreneurs to use their space as an incubator to develop responsible and sustainable solutions. New companies concerned with ESG (environment, social and governance) promoted by Hatch provide a great addition to the area without infringing on development as they take up no space using Hatch as a workspace. Hatch empowers new tech incubators toward sustainability and more. Sustainability may include being ‘green’, conserving resources, striving for a low carbon footprint or net zero emissions and social issues such as safety, human rights and diversity. Basically, being concerned about people and the planet in addition to profits. As of right now, there are no set measures for companies who seek to be ‘sustainable’. Enter ESG. It has a specific set of criteria for environmental, social and governance issues. The ESG pillars measure performance which points to the interlinked

aspects of social, technological, political, environmental and economic actions of a business: E – Environment: How a company manages environmental impact considering the far-reaching consequences on society and the planet. S – Social: How a company fosters its people and contributes to inclusive growth. G – Governance: Delineates how a company can remain compliant, ensuring transparency and best practices and converse with regulators by using an internal system of controls, practices and procedures to govern and make effective decisions. Because Hatch provides the consulting services to help businesses become sustainable under ESG, local businesses are growing and thriving. “Thank you, Rick Miller! Hatch Fairhope has been an amazing resource for Motive,” says Kai Gray, CEO of Motive, a company that was launched with the help of Hatch Fairhope and provides sustainability as a business strategy.

Rick Miller Currently located in the PNC Bank building, Hatch Fairhope’s business resource hub for technology-based entrepreneurs in Baldwin County is about to expand. Reconstruction to the K-1 Center and Hatch Fairhope will start in the fall of 2022 and be completed in 2024 thanks to a grant funded by the Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, according to Rick Miller, Owner of Pro356 Consulting and Executive Director of Hatch Business Incubator. He says, “Isn’t it cool that we have a 1921 façade that will now house a 21st Century technology development center? We see Hatch’s focus sustaining the quality of life we enjoy here on the Eastern Shore.” With the renovations, the K-1 Center and Hatch Fairhope will be a spacious area for the community workforce to gather and employ state-of-the-art business planning practices, providing opportunity for businesses to focus on sustainable practices with a technology slant, IP and technology review and collaboration processes, high-speed internet and workspace opportunities, corporate partnering for marketing, research and manufacturing, and national talent and resources. “As an educational asset to our community, the K-1 Center and Hatch Fairhope will continue the building’s historic legacy by educating and supporting entrepreneurs in Baldwin County,” said Sherry Sullivan, mayor of Fairhope. Location: Hatch Fairhope, 36 N Section St., Fairhope, AL. See HatchFairhope.com or call 251-270-2670. August 2022

RAISING A WELL-ROUNDED CHILD PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD LASTING LIFE SKILLS

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by Marlaina Donato

hildhood is a time of magical discovery and a training ground for adult life. Yet today’s world introduces unprecedented problems that can challenge a child’s bedrock: escalating violence including mass shootings, bullying, social media pressure, environmental crises and cultural conflict, not to mention the COVID-19 lockdowns. For kids to develop the solid foundation they will need in these trying times, a powerful approach is a full-spectrum one that rounds out their experiences and skills, while instilling confidence and resilience. It includes a broad-based education, artistic and cultural exploration, experiences of diverse cultures, training in mind-body tools, healthy eating habits and connecting with nature. These facets enable children to cope, adapt and thrive in a changing world. It gives them the necessary building blocks for the rest of their lives, which has an invaluable return for all of us now and for future generations.

The Parental Toolbox Boston-based Casey O’Brien Martin, an expressive arts therapist and author of Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques, defines a well-rounded child as “one who is balanced in the many different areas of their 16

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life: socially with friends and by having their own interests and hobbies; physically by being active and eating nourishing foods; emotionally by accepting and acknowledging their feelings and using coping skills to deal with uncomfortable or stressful situations.” Encouraging kids to try new things—and allowing them to experience failure—affects how they respond to life. “Well-rounded children are flexible in their thinking toward changes in schedule or environment, have been exposed to boundaries and as they mature, can apply their different experiences to their understanding of safety, social skills, fundamental learning and communication,”

says April Christopherson, an occupational therapist and owner of Exploration Kids Therapy, in Gunnison, Colorado. Kids keenly observe and try on adult behavior, and in this practice lies tremendous potential. “One of the very best things parents, caregivers and educators can do is to model healthy coping skills. Just telling kids what to do is not enough. We need to walk the talk, too,” Martin says. Attaining family balance is key to avoid overscheduling and feeling overwhelmed, especially if prompting kids to follow their bliss. Integrating mindfulness techniques like meditation, yoga and sensory engagement into a household’s everyday routines can help to fortify emotional stability when kids experience rough waters. “When kids learn to focus on their breathing, it helps to bring their attention to the present moment. By practicing mindfulness daily, these practices become second nature, and kids are able to tap into them whenever they need to. By teaching children these tools at a young age, we are planting seeds that they will be able to grow and cultivate throughout their lives,” says Maura Bradley, founder of Bee You Yoga and Mindfulness, in Manasquan, New Jersey. The author of Mindfulness For Kids In 10 Minutes A Day emphasizes that mindfulness can be a formal or informal practice, can involve the entire family and does not require a lot of time. It can be as simple as taking a moment each morning to connect with each other, notice the weather or play an “eye spy” game on the way to school. Christopherson concurs: “I suggest a child practice meditation, breathwork and mindfulness, first together with a parent or caregiver to get familiar with the practices, and then practice the techniques during non-stressful times.”

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The Colors of Learning Focusing on grades with a one-size-fits-all educational model poses many problems, and changing times demand a broader, more vibrant paradigm. COVID-19 lockdowns brought radical changes to the classroom, and more than ever, parents are opting for a more holistic approach with various methods of homeschooling or whole-child curriculums like those offered at Waldorf, Sudbury and Montessori schools. Alternative learning presents the world as a laboratory, goes beyond math, reading and science, and endorses characterbuilding immersion in community, compassion and culture. “Montessori learning stresses the beauty of nature,” says Ruth Tencati, a Montessori teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Geography, music, art and practical life skills are taught. Ideally, each child is given lessons that balance learning in all areas and at the right time for each child’s level of skill and curiosity.” Students are given peace education, “where they are encouraged to think of others, as well as themselves, and to see themselves as part of a community of learners,” she says. Tencati views technology as an ally when it is used to deepen students’ understanding of lessons, but believes it should never be used as a pacifier. Familiarity with the arts is key to a well-rounded view of life, but the number of school-based arts programs has been declining since 1980 due to a heavy focus on standardized testing. To assess August 2022

the impact of art on children, Rice University researchers ran a randomized controlled trial in 2019 with 10,548 students enrolled in 42 schools in the Houston area. They found that students that participated in the arts at elementary and middle school levels improved their writing skills, increased their compassion for others and were less likely to misbehave in class. In lieu of school-based art programs, kids can learn from virtual tours designed specifically for them by the Louvre, the Van Gogh Museum and other outstanding art museums. For a fun dive into history, the British Museum, Boston Children’s Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History bring the past to life with online “field trips” just for kids. When kids learn about other cultures, religions, languages and belief systems, it increases their capacity for empathy and the ability to see different perspectives, a trait often found in successful adults. To introduce kids to an expanded worldview, families can enjoy a weekly ethnic meal, go to local heritage festivals and celebrate the holidays of different countries.

Food for Life Giving a child lifelong tools includes instilling a healthy respect for good health. Positive eating habits have been shown to boost academic performance and lessen the potential for speech and language acquisition delays. Research on laboratory animals by the University of Georgia in 2021 published in Translational Psychiatry showed that sugar consumption in adolescence diminished learning capacity even into adulthood, possibly due to imbalances in gut bacteria. “Hundreds of studies identify nutrition as one of the most critical factors in the development of robust brains,” says Lorie Eber, a holistic nutritionist in Orange County, California. “Consumption of whole foods such as eggs (choline), oily fish (omega-3 fatty acids), vegetables (folate and antioxidants), beans (zinc) and Greek yogurt (gut health) are vital for the healthy development of children’s brains in the first years of life.” Nutrition has a measurable impact on psychological health, she says. “Diets high in refined sugars and saturated fats increase the risk of kids developing hyperactivity and ADHD. Children who skip breakfast have difficulty concentrating and low moods, which detract from learning.” Eber encourages children’s participation in meal planning and food preparation, as well as weekly excursions to farmers markets, to experience the colors and tastes of local produce. “All of these things will lay the foundation for your children to develop a healthy relationship with food. That is a rare gift in today’s food-centric society.”

Connecting to nature is not only good for growing bodies, but also for self-image. A 2018 systematic review of 35 studies published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows time spent outdoors positively impacts young people’s mental health. Research conducted by the Institute of Education at University College London drives it home even further: Primary school children that connected with nature in brief Wildlife Trust programs felt better about themselves and experienced more posiGulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and visionary composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

TAKEAWAYS FROM CHILDHOOD EXPERTS

SOME SOUND STRATEGIES FOR CHILD-RAISING

n Expose kids to different cultures and countries to broaden their horizons and instill compassion and tolerance.

n Encourage unstructured playtime, spontaneity and social

interaction, while allowing kids to also value solitude and the enjoyment of their own company.

n Foster creativity with such strategies as simple arts and

crafts, keeping a nature journal, taking up a performing art, taking virtual museum tours or learning about the history of an art form.

n Schedule time in nature for fresh air and plenty of physical activity.

n Don’t overthink parenting. Like children, parents learn as they go, and it’s a collaboration.

n Cheer effort more than ability. Instill their striving for per-

sonal excellence without adding any expectation or pressure.

n Practice self-care and be an example of what living a healthy, joyful life looks like.

n Provide a predictable, low-stress routine; encourage participation in household chores and enforce boundaries.

Natural Instincts

tive relationships with their teachers and classmates. Adding to Mother Nature’s feel-good benefits, exercise during childhood and adolescence, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lowers the risk of depression, improves academic performance and reduces the risk for chronic diseases later in life. In the end, parenting is about doing our best for our children while being human. “Being a parent is hard. One of my mantras for myself is ‘grace, gratitude and grit,’” muses Martin. “Giving grace to myself by forgiving myself for my parenting mistakes, being grateful for my family and having grit to keep persevering and working hard to build a good life for my family.” Each parent’s formula might be different, but the basics never get old. “Let a child experience life! Give them opportunities to get into nature, play with non-toy items, interact with animals and support their curiosity,” advises Christopherson. “Be safe, but let your kids be kids.”

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n Teach children a sense of gratitude. n Provide kids with tools to manage everyday emotions with

simple mindfulness practices, calm breathing and engaging the senses.

n Encourage children to express themselves and communicate their feelings and needs.

n Teach kids that good health is wealth.

NOURISH THE GOOD!

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How do you define superconsciousness, and how does it help us experience healing and create miracles? It’s a trance state we can attain if we go deep within ourselves through meditation into the delta frequencies, and then visualize that we’re blending that higher realm of consciousness into the universe like a raindrop entering the ocean. By doing this, you arrive at the place where miracles exist. There’s nothing to create. It’s like being in a field of fruit. The abundance is there, you just have to go where the abundance is.

~ Ashley, New Orleans LA

Consciousness is the essence of presence. What we think is empty space in the universe is actually filled with consciousness. While we understand the presence of our physical stuff and our ego, we have a harder time understanding our reductionistic self, the stuff that is reduced to the essence of energy. That’s what the soulful being of our consciousness is.

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or 40 years, nutritional therapist and quantum energy healer Mark Mincolla, Ph.D., has integrated ancient Chinese energy healing techniques with emerging nutritional science in what he calls Electromagnetic Muscle Testing, an approach that zeros in on each individual’s unique dietary needs. He has authored seven books, including The Wu Way, The Tao of Ch’i and Whole Health. In his most recent work, The Way of Miracles: Accessing Your Superconsciousness—and an accompanying documentary film of the same title—he shares his experiences, documented research and exercises to cultivate our natural ability to heal and create miracles.

How can we develop and tap into our superconsciousness? My book has exercises at the end of each chapter. One of my favorites is looking into the pupils of your eyes in the mirror for 10 minutes straight, uninterrupted. In doing that, you will feel the essence of your presence. That is your superconsciousness.

Do we cause our own illnesses? I think we play a role in that process. Many people are cultivating ease and healing themselves. A lot of people are unconsciously cultivating “dis-ease”. Your choices are to be consciously proactive, which is healing, or unconsciously reactive, which is diseaseproducing. There are two possibilities related to the energy of consciousness: flow or resistance. When we’re in resistance, we can spend so much time in negative, reactive situations. The more negatively reactive we are, the less flow and the more resistance we encounter and produce. The more consciousness that we proactively cultivate through deeper, more intentional meditation, the higher the consciousness we internalize and manifest. It boils down to what you’re doing. Are you spending your time producing illness or producing wellness?

How did you cure yourself from Lyme disease? It started the night I had a bad fall and was paralyzed on the bathroom floor for 14 hours. My spirit became really challenged and really elevated and engaged. It was time to take inventory and to confront myself about my quality of life. During that horrible process, that trauma, I made an unconditional commitment to write this book, make this film and do whatever I had to do to get my messages out there, which is the reason I was put on this planet. From there, I tapped into natural medicines and foods to help me recover. I’ve helped 60,000 people over the last 40 years, so I can help myself, you know? And I did.

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What should more people realize about themselves? That they have far greater power and far greater access to remarkable outcomes than they are aware of. You’re born in this culture, automatically surrendering to the establishment. You surrender to the medical and pharmaceutical establishments. As a little kid, you get a sore throat, and your mom takes you to the doctor for antibiotics. There’s a lot of doctoring and not enough healing in the world. As I say in the film, compassion is the key. My patients come to me and they’re really heartbroken, sick and broken down, diseased. They’ve been so bottled up—so much depression, so much pain, so much suffering. The doctor makes it worse—doesn’t help anything. So I feel like we’re working at a very different, compassionate level for the patient to be whole, soulful, spiritual, emotionally tapped in. We strive to be concerned, to be loved and to both diagnose and treat at a high frequency. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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local healthy eats guide

Bon Appétit! A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets FEATURING WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS Southern Delights with Vegan Options

fter being employed at several restaurants and helping to open and operate the Sweet Olive restaurant, Jennifer Haffner opened Warehouse Bakery & Donuts in 2015. Now, coowners with Ed Green, both appreciate high quality food in a community-centered environment. Warehouse, a ‘from scratch’ bakery and restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, goes beyond Haffner’s scrumptious cupcakes, cookies, donuts and specialty desserts, however. The menu offers many delicious options along with a selection of coffee (organic available) and espresso drinks made with beans roasted inhouse at Fairhope Roasting Company and organic cold-pressed juices from Fairhope Juice Company. Breakfast is served all day and includes everything from bowls and burritos to biscuits and gravy, waffles, eggs and house-made granola, but it’s not typical diner food. There are gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options and ingredients not found at most diners: roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, hash, tempeh bacon, tofu and a wide selection of seafood and Southern influences. The Baja Bowl, for example, combines roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, steamed kale, eggs, avocado, salsa and queso.

For lunch there’s a great variety of salads, soups and sandwiches. Buddha Bowls can be customized with rice or shredded cabbage and choice of protein and sauce. The comfort of Southern food and the vegetarian options don’t disappoint with the Southern Chicken Sandwich, Cubano, Baja Burrito or Veggie Nut Burger, to name a few. An ample supply of sides and a children’s menu make this a family go-to. Haffner understands that vegetarian and vegan options need to be delicious. “People who are not vegan can even enjoy them and those who are vegetarian or vegan will have something delicious to eat,” she says, adding that she and her daughters have fun taste-testing tempeh and tofu meal substitutes and baking gluten-free treats. Warehouse also caters custom menus, including desserts and the space is available for catering and events such as wedding receptions or rehearsals, parties, corporate events and more. For even more variety, check out their sister location, District Hall, right next door. Location: Warehouse Bakery, 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL. 251-928-7223. WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com. See Healthy Eats listing, page 23.

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. ~ Hippocrates 22

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August’s guide to local healthy food in Baldwin County AGAPE JUICES Nourishing your body, mind and spirit. Fountain Plaza Shopping Center 3782 South McKenzie St., Foley, AL Agape-Juices.com

OX KITCHEN Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 Greeno Rd., South, Fairhope TheOxKitchen.com

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture. 20733 Miflin Rd., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

SAGE LEBANESE CUISINE & CAFÉ A surprising blend of traditional and new Mediterranean & Lebanese cuisine. 319 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL SageLebaneseCuisine.com

DRAGONFLY FOOD BAR Not-yo-average taco joint prepare to rock your taste buds. 7 S. Church St., Fairhope, AL Facebook: Dragonfly Foodbar FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market 18327 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL FairhopeJuiceCompany.com LOCALS AT THE ALLEY Quaint, mom-n-pop eatery providing healthy eats in a casual atmosphere. 312 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL LocalsFairhope.com MCKENZIE FARMS Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL MckenzieFarmMarket.com

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com THE HAPPY OLIVE Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com TWO SISTERS BAKERY & DELI Gluten-free, keto-friendly options, featuring boars head meats & cheeses 19452 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 251-517-0622 WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS A neighborhood eatery serving made-fromscratch, vegan friendly, gluten-free goodness. 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com WILDFLOWERS & FRESH FOOD Simple and colorful high-vibe cooking classes, events and fresh recipes. 251-656-9112 WildFlowersAndFreshFood.com

NATURE NINE FARMS Your source for local, ethical-grown wholesome, delicious food. sperkins@natureninefarms.com NatureNineFarms.com For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/healthyeats. August 2022

green living

The Greening of Packaging CLEANING AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS GO ECO

ealth-conscious consumers have been purchasing home cleaning and personal care products with nontoxic ingredients for years. Now they’re demanding these products come in environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and plastic use. “It’s green movement 2.0,” says Tim Murphy, CEO of BranchBasics.com, a Minneapolis company that sells nontoxic cleaners. “First there was the green movement 1.0 to eliminate the toxins from the conventional products like bleach. Now green 2.0 is about the removal 24

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by Sheryl DeVore

of plastic and waste reduction.” Today, consumers can find refillable, concentrated cleaning products; ecolaundry sheets; reusable cleansing face pads; eco-toothbrushes made of bamboo; zero-waste toothpaste bits; plastic-free, refillable deodorant; and refillable lipstick. These and a host of other innovative products designed to be healthy and ecofriendly are available online via manufacturers’ websites or Amazon.com, and can also be purchased at certain big-box stores like Target.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Consumer Demand A December 2020 Mintel Trends survey showed nearly all of the internet users 18 and older that shop for household items say brands should consider the environment when creating packaging. Many respondents said they wanted products that had easy-to-recycle packaging and were refillable to reduce waste. “There’s a clear preference for lightweight packaging, plastic-free packaging, refillable and reusable products,” says Danielle Jezienicki, director of sustainabil-

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“There’s a clear preference for lightweight packaging, plastic-free packaging, refillable and reusable products.”

WHAT’S NEW IN ECO-MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING

Danielle Jezienicki

REFILLABLE LIPSTICK: One billion lipsticks are discarded worldwide annually. Now consumers can purchase refillable lipstick containers made with biodegradable bamboo and recyclable aluminum, among other eco-friendly materials. Refillable containers are meant for the same shade, so users will need a different case for each color.

ity for San Francisco-based Grove Collaborative, an online retailer of eco-products. “It makes sense, because 90 percent of the weight of most cleaning and personal care products you buy consists of water and packaging. The formulated ingredients are a small fraction. It saves money. There’s growing awareness of this.”

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Shipping Water “It’s really expensive to be shipping water all over the country,” Murphy says. “It’s just extra bulk and extra weight, and the carbon footprint is much higher. If you take that water out, it’s lighter and smaller, so it’s better for the environment.” His company, BranchBasics.com, sells a concentrate that can be used as a laundry detergent, hand wash or bathroom cleaner by mixing it with water in a glass bottle at home. The concentrate comes in a recyclable plastic bottle and is shipped in cardboard, without plastic wrap or foam. In the past few years, Grove Collaborative, which sells nontoxic personal care and home cleaning items, has changed its packaging to be even more environmentally friendly, according to Jezienicki. “The company has vowed to sell products with zero percent plastic packaging by 2025,” she says. To that end, it has created a brand of hair, body, facial and hand care products that come in a concentrated bar with no plastic packaging. Its concentrated household cleaners, which can be used on floors, glass, tiles, tubs and other surfaces in the home, come in glass bottles, and consumers can use a glass spray bottle with a silicone sleeve to dilute the product with water.

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Plastic-Free “In 2020, we avoided shipping more than 1.1 million pounds of plastic with our concentrated cleaners alone,” Jezienicki says. Grove sells products from other companies such as Seventh Generation if they are plastic-free, and has recently placed some of its products on the shelves at Target. Consumer Denise Monson Haberkorn, of Skokie, Illinois, welcomes these changes and says her friends call her the “plastics police”. She began ordering Tru Earth laundry detergent strips to replace the large plastic bottles of liquid detergent she was using, and she loves them so much, she’s been giving them away for friends to try. “The detergent strips are about three times the thickness of a Band-Aid. You put the strip in where you used to put in your regular detergent, and they dissolve,” Haberkorn explains, adding, “There’s no plastic to get rid of. Some people don’t think they can make a difference with their choices, but I think I can.” Sheryl DeVore is an award-winning author of six books on science, health and nature. Connect at SherylDevoreWriter@gmail.com.

TOOTHPASTE BITS AND TABLETS: Americans throw away more than 400 million empty toothpaste tubes annually. Now consumers can purchase bits and tablets of formulated toothpaste that go right in the mouth—simply bite down and start brushing with an eco-toothbrush made of bamboo. There’s also mouthwash and whitening bits, all packaged in glass bottles with compostable applicators. DEODORANT: Deodorant tubes are not easy to recycle because they’re often made of several types of plastic. Now consumers can buy a reusable deodorant case made of stainless steel or other eco-friendly materials and purchase refills, as needed. Companies are also making paperboard push-up deodorant containers that easily biodegrade, as well as organic deodorant cream refills. REUSABLE WIPES: Reusable wipes are becoming more common than disposable types. For babies, they’re often made of muslin and terrycloth, and can be tossed in the laundry. Reusable makeup wipes made of microfiber are also available. DOGGY POOP BAG: Even Fido is going green when it comes to packaging. Instead of using plastic bags to pick up dog waste while on a walk, consumers can purchase biodegradable poop bags made of corn, vegetable oils and other compostable materials.

August 2022

eco tip

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Summer is the ideal time to break bread with loved ones, toss a Frisbee and celebrate the great outdoors, but too many of us believe that picnics require single-use plastics. In the name of convenience and easy cleanup, we bring plastic plates and cutlery, a stack of disposable cups and even a plastic tablecloth. When our fun in the sun is over, an avalanche of nonbiodegradable offenders ends up in landfills to pollute our environment and waterways. It’s time to level up our picnicking game by going plastic-free. With a little planning, simple swap-outs are easy and less costly in the long run. Here are a few tips. Serve Homemade and Bulk Foods: Instead of processed goodies like chips and candy that come in plastic packaging, guests will love Mom’s gluten-free brownies and mixed nuts from the bulk aisle. Bring a chef’s knife and portable cutting board to slice fresh vegetables and a watermelon from the farmers market rather than precutting and stowing them in Ziploc bags. Employ Reusable Containers and Bags: The same eco-friendly carriers we use at home can be taken to picnics, including cloth shopping bags, stainless steel food containers, beeswax wraps, Mason jars, reseal-

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able silicone pouches and cloth or knit drawstring bags for bulk items. Everything comes home and gets thrown into the washer for easy cleanup. Get Ice Cubes from Home: Stopping for a plastic bag of ice from a convenience store seems synonymous with a picnic, but it’s time to break that bad habit. Put ice cubes from the freezer into a stainless steel food storage container and drop it in an insulated bag or cooler to keep items cold and provide clean ice for drinks. Bring Reusable Plates and Utensils: While plates, cups and cutlery from our kitchens can perform double duty at picnics, more lightweight options made of eco-friendly materials like bamboo and stainless steel abound. Assign each person one reusable cup and a set of utensils for the gathering. Offer Plastic-Free Drinks: Singleuse, plastic water bottles are out. Bring big jugs of water and homemade lemonade or iced tea. Stainless steel straws complete the plasticfree replacement. Unfold Real Tablecloths: Add charm with a couple of genuine tablecloths to drape over a picnic table and spread on the ground, with matching cloth napkins to boot. Then pop them in the laundry before the next outing.

inspiration

once this goal is realized. Do you believe you’ll experience a feeling of pride or satisfaction, or one of serenity or freedom? Use as many words as you can conjure to describe the energy you’re reaching for.

Change Your Words Change Your Life

Invite the Essence of Your Desire into Your Life As you connect with the energetic essence of your desire in each important area of your life, allow yourself to identify the thoughts, the attitudes—and the words—that would align you with this energy. In other words, if you had already attained everything you’re now striving for, what types of conversations would you be having with yourself and with others? Have these conversations now. When you shift your language, you shift everything.

he words we speak are never neutral, because language doesn’t simply describe reality. It creates it. With every word we utter, we’re either speaking into existence a reality we desire or actively creating a reality we dread. We cannot speak about being broke and attract prosperity. We can’t complain about feeling abandoned and attract great love. We can’t criticize everything that’s wrong with a situation and simultaneously invent its improvement. We can only focus on one reality at a time—what we want or the absence of it—and the words we speak moment-by-moment are an indication of which way we’re leaning.

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by Christy Whitman

Celebrity coach Christy Whitman is The New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All and Taming Your Alpha Bitch. She is founder and CEO of the Quantum Success Coaching Academy and creator of WatchYourWords.com, a free, 30-day, language training program.

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WORDS SUMMON CREATIVE ENERGY When we say, “It shouldn’t be like this,” “Life is hard” or “Why can’t I get what I want?” we set into motion a powerful stream of unwanted energy. If you’ve ever watched one person’s negativity amplify the negativity in others, you understand this firsthand. Fortunately, the reverse is also true. We all have the ability to choose our thoughts, our perceptions—and our words—on purpose. When we change the way we speak about our life, we reclaim the power to change its trajectory. Here’s how to go about it: Use Unwanted Experiences to Clarify Your Desire Every unwanted experience presents you with a fundamental choice: You can complain about all that appears to be going wrong, or you can focus on what you now desire. In any uncomfortable circumstance, resist the temptation to complain, and focus instead on the clarity that’s been born within you. Ask yourself, “What do I want to experience in this area of my life, and how would I like this situation or relationship to look and feel?” Then make a commitment to speak always in favor of what you desire, never in contradiction to it. Break Your Desire into Its Essential Form Behind every desire—big or small—is a longing to experience a certain feeling. If life has shown you that you want a better job, a bigger house or a fitter body, try to identify the emotional payoff you believe you’ll receive

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Take a Silent Hike TIPS FOR WALKING MINDFULLY IN NATURE by Sheila Julson

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ilent hikes offer an opportunity to be immersed in nature and quiet the internal chatter that too often consumes our daily routine. Wesley Trimble, communications and creative director of the American Hiking Society, has observed a growing interest in ecotherapies such as silent hikes that meld solitude and mindfulness with outdoor recreation. “Just getting out into nature, no matter where you are, is a great way to enjoy its beauty and focus on the experience,” he says. When heading out on a silent hike or walk, in a group or alone, in a park or around the neighborhood, Trimble recommends taking long, deep, deliberate breaths. This allows the body to relax and focus on moving through space while being aware of sensory experiences. Acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton takes a quiet hike every day. The author of One Square Inch of Silence has traveled the globe for four decades in search of quiet, natural spaces in which to record ecological soundscapes such as crashing ocean waves or the snowy crickets of Washington State. “Opening up in a naturally quiet place in nature or the wilderness lets you become physically healthier, mentally clearer and more in touch with what you really want,” he says. Hempton suggests that a silent hike begin with listening, which for mammals is a primary way to gather information: “Any event creates a sound, and that sound carries information about that event.” When heading into a natural area, he recommends listening for the furthest sounds and focusing on the faintest ones. “Then listen to the whole place and notice what you feel. There’s nothing you need to say, but everything you need to hear.”

According to Hempton, it takes less time to enjoy the benefits of a silent hike than people might imagine. “Even five minutes can produce huge relief,” he says. “Don’t make it a stressful thing. Recognize how much time you have, give it that and notice how you feel.” Advice for silent wilderness experiences can be found at the website of Quiet Parks International (QuietParks.org), a nonprofit that Hempton co-founded which is dedicated to preserving quiet in the wilderness.

Exercises to Quiet the Mind on a Silent Hike Author and nature educator Joseph Bharat Cornell affirms that silent hikes help instill a sense of vibrant calmness. He created an outdoor learning strategy named Flow Learning, which is highly recommended by the U.S. National Park Service. It incorporates playful experiences into wellness walks to lessen internal dialogue and sharpen intuitive perception. His book, Sharing Nature: Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages, includes activities like the Silent Sharing Walk. “Teams of three people walk along and don’t say anything, but look and enjoy together,” he explains. “When you see something intriguing, gently tap the others on the shoulder, point and look together, and then quietly move on.” The Trail of Beauty exercise encourages hikers to consider quotations like George Washington Carver’s “If you love it enough, anything will talk with you.” Participants explore trails to

find something captivating that relates to the noteworthy words. Cornell advises to not use quotes that are too philosophical, because that can lead to internal dialogue that takes focus away from nature. Group hikers can use the Nature In Me exercise to develop points of awareness. After finding a captivating spot outdoors, participants sit down and rest their hands palms-down on their thighs, allowing awareness to flow from one observation to the next. Lightly press a finger on the leg for each noticeable observation—a passing cloud, chirping birds or the splash of a river otter. Cornell advises against slipping into passivity, because then the mind tends to wander. The Sound Map activity encourages hikers to take paper and pencil on a silent hike. “Close your eyes and cup your hands around both ears and listen for a sound,” Cornell explains. "Mark an X at the center of your paper to represent where you are. Then make a simple symbol to represent your sound and its location. This encourages people to listen and focus.” Trimble cautions that silent hikes can increase the chances of an animal encounter, so it’s important to remain aware of surroundings at all times. Silent hikes can also help wildlife. “One of the components of ‘leave no trace’ is the respect of wildlife,” he says. “Many studies show the impact of noise pollution on different types of ecosystems. Silent hikes let us enjoy nature without disturbing wildlife.” Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.

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natural pet

Preventing Dog Dementia FIVE STRATEGIES TO PRESERVE COGNITIVE HEALTH

mong the many traits that dogs and humans share is the potential with aging for progressive cognitive decline, which canines can experience as early as 7 years of age. Clinical signs of cognitive decline appear in 50 percent of dogs over 11 and by the time they are 15, 68 percent display at least one sign. The five classic and easily observable indicators of cognitive decline in dogs are decreased attention to surroundings, disinterest and apathy; decreased purposeful activity; increased sleep during a 24-hour 30

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by Karen Shaw Becker

period; intermittent anxiety expressed through apprehension, panting, moaning or shivering; and loss of formerly acquired knowledge, including house training. Other symptoms include failure to respond to commands, difficulty hearing, inability to recognize familiar people and difficulty navigating their environment. Physical manifestations may show up as excessive licking, lack of grooming, fecal and urinary incontinence and loss of appetite.

Gum Disease Linked to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction A connection has been established between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontal disease in humans, and a recent study has revealed a similar association between gum disease and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). By comparing dogs with CCD and a control group of healthy dogs, New York integrative veterinarian Curtis Dewey, of Elemental Pet Vets, and Mark Rishniw, of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, found

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Older dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction tend to show higher levels of periodontal disease, and the more severe the gum disease is, the more significant their cognitive decline. that older dogs with CCD tend to show higher levels of periodontal disease, and that the more severe the gum disease is, the more significant their cognitive decline. Based on these results, at-home and veterinary dental care may be very beneficial to reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction and should be added to these CCD prevention steps.

CCD Prevention Steps

1. Incorporate regular exercise, socialization and mental stimulation. While they can’t exert themselves with the same intensity as younger dogs, senior canines derive tremendous benefits from walks—especially unhurried “sniffaris”—and other age-appropriate physical activity and strengthening exercises. Short periods of play time with people and other pets in controlled situations can also help. Food puzzles and treatrelease toys provide fun, mental stimulation, while brief training sessions refresh their memory or teach new skills. 2. Take them to twice-yearly wellness visits. Keep abreast of metabolic changes to catch disease early. Many Alzheimer’s patients have insulin resistance and persistent hyperglycemia, so keeping a dog’s A1c levels low and steady is important. 3. Optimize their nutrition. The best fuel for canine cognitive health is a combination of healthy fats—especially omega-3 fatty acids like sustainably sourced krill oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil—and a variety of antioxidant-rich whole foods suitable for a carnivore, including high-quality protein. Eliminate refined carbohydrates like sugar, grains, potatoes and legumes, as well as extruded diets (kibble) that contain toxic byproducts of the manufacturing process that are linked to neurodegenerative disease. 4. Improve memory with nutraceuticals. Because studies show that MCT in coconut oil can improve cognitive function in older

dogs, add a quarter-teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 pounds of body weight to food daily. Other supplements to consider are S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), jellyfish extracts, glutathione, resveratrol (Japanese knotweed), lion’s mane mushroom, vinpocetine, phosphatidylserine, curcumin, ubiquinol, digestive enzymes and probiotics. 5. Reduce doggie stress. Senior dogs, especially those with dementia, often become disoriented. To help them remain stable and reduce anxiety, stick to a consistent daily routine, feeding and walking them on a set schedule. To control arthritis and degenerative joint disease, keep dogs active and at a healthy weight. Consider acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, stretching and hydrotherapy (exercising in water). If a dog is experiencing incontinence because of age (and not caused by an underlying condition that should be addressed), provide them with more frequent potty trips outside or reintroduce them to a crate if they were crate-trained initially. Acupuncture may also help.

oils or pheromone products to help them find their way around. Also consider purchasing or building ramps if they’re having trouble getting into the car or up on the bed or a favorite chair. If they’re slipping or unsure on bare floors, add runners, yoga mats or area rugs. For sleep problems, try increasing their daytime activity level. Let the dog sleep in the bedroom to ease any anxiety that may be contributing to nighttime restlessness. Melatonin supplementation may help. Guide the precious pet with clear cues and easyto-follow instructions, and when talking to them, use a quiet, calm and loving voice. Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. Visit DrKarenBecker.com.

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healthy kids

Mindful Kudos BEST WAYS TO PRAISE KIDS AND BOOST SELF-CONFIDENCE by Ronica O’Hara

iving ample kudos to our kids is an everyday part of parenting. To motivate youngsters to excel in school and activities, we pat them on the back repeatedly in ways that were unimaginable a century ago, when even kissing babies was frowned upon by many. In one survey, 85 percent of American parents said that praising their children’s ability or intelligence when they perform well helps kids feel smarter. But praise turns out to be a doubleedged sword, as recent decades of psychological and educational research have made clear. Yes, praise can build character, motivation and resilience, just as parents hope. But when done unskillfully, say psychologists, it can have the opposite effect and actually lower children’s confidence, dampen their motivation and stifle intellectual growth. Some of the research-based advice that has emerged includes:

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Praise Effort, Not Intelligence

“Even small statements, when said from the heart, have a positive impact on children.” Carole Swiecicki

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Numerous studies have found that when children are repeatedly given accolades for their intellect or talent, they can come to believe those traits are innate and fixed, which then makes them more fearful of failing or even encountering challenges. On the other hand, when kids are taught that success depends on continued effort and hard work, they are more likely to seek out challenges, apply themselves to tough tasks and be resilient in the face of failure. Suggested parental statements include: “I like the way you tried a lot of different strategies on that math problem until you finally got it.” “That was a hard English assignment, but you stuck with it until you got it done.” “Mistakes are so interesting. Let’s see what we can learn from it.”

Don’t Go Over the Top Paradoxically, getting praised too lavishly can shake children and make them less likely to take risks. “Research has shown that extreme praise—using words like “incredible” or “best ever”—can create an excessive expectation that the child can feel incapable of meeting. They tend to become less tolerant of their mistakes, and tolerance of mistakes is a critical element in ultimate success,” says clinical psychologist John F. Tholen, Ph.D., in Seal Beach, California, author of Focused Positivity. Excessive praise can also nudge overconfident children toward narcissism, especially if it involves comparison with other children.

“You kept practicing pumping your legs on the swing, and now you can do it!” “Thank you so much for cleaning up the garage. I really appreciate how hard you worked.” “That was a tough skill to learn on the ball field, but you kept at it until you could do it.”

Be Sincere

If children detect insincerity in a parent’s praise, they may assume they are being manipulated or misunderstood. Older kids in particular have a keen ear for offhand words of meaningless praise. “Be enthu-

siastic, while remaining genuine. Praise those things that truly make your heart warm, or make your day easier, or make you proud of your child’s progress,” says Carole Swiecicki, Ph.D., a psychologist and owner of Harbor Maple Counseling and Psychological Services, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. “Even small statements, when said from the heart, have a positive impact on children.” Health and wellness writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Read more children’s health articles at NAGulfCoast.com!

Focus on Character and Agency When children are praised for positive aspects of their character such as being kind, resourceful or helpful, they are more likely to be generous and openhearted with others. Researchers have also found that when parents focus on and support a child’s self-determined reasons for engaging in a task, it increases the child’s sense of agency and capacity to act effectively, which helps them to move through the world with greater ease and self-confidence. Some suggested parental statements are:

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“You made that decision very carefully and wisely.” “You were very kind in how you made the new girl feel welcome.” “It’s great to see how determined you are to do something exciting for your science fair project.”

Be Specific Research shows that when praise is general or sweeping, like, “Good job!”, kids tend to doubt its sincerity, whereas praise that gives more information is felt by them to be meaningful. “Focusing on increasing the specificity of the praise allows children to learn more quickly which behaviors you like and want to see more frequently,” says pediatric psychologist Alyssa Fritz, Ph.D., of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences, in St. Petersburg, Florida. “A good rule of thumb is to provide three instances of specific positive attention for every one command or correction.” Suggested parental statements are:

Peak Alkalinity

August 2022

calendar

classifieds Classifieds are $1 per word, per month. To place listing, email content to MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

HELP WANTED NATURAL AWAKENINGS GULF COAST IS LOOKING FOR MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS IN MISSISSIPPI – Work part-time only 2-3 days per month delivering NA Gulf Coast magazines to select locations in Harris, Hancock and Jackson counties. We provide a gas stipend plus $$ per each stop. Earn your MAD MONEY each month with only a small commitment of time. Call Michelle for more information at 251-990-9552. PEAK ALKALINITY IS LOOKING TO HIRE IN MOBILE – Part-time, people friendly, holistic-minded individual with a learning mentality and ‘can-do’ attitude needed 1-2 days 10:00-5:30 in Mobile and every 3rd Sat in Fairhope. No experience needed. We will fully train on our products & services. Please call James Long for more information at 251-270-7200 or 251-586-8198. THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE IS LOOKING TO HIRE two part-time holisticminded individuals from the Mobile area. No experience needed. We will fully train for lymphatic therapy. Will work 2-3 days weekly including some travel with company car provided. Please call Carolyn for more information at 251-644-4692.

CLASSES/TRAINING ADVERTISE your products, services or help wanted here.

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SERVICES ATTENTION BUSY PROFESSIONALS—Are you struggling to prioritize eating well, sleeping well, transforming stress into positive energy, or just get moving? Board Certified Health Coach Michelle Smith will take you by the hand to help you get back on track. GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com. 251-635-6250. TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

SUNDAYS Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia’s Health Foods (251479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com. Fairhope Unitarian Sunday Service – 11amnoon. Held inside and streamed on Zoom. Different guest speakers each week—either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. FairhopeUnitarian Fellowship@gmail.com. FairhopeUU.org. Open Table United Church of Christ – Sunday School 9:30-10:20am. Worship 10:30-11:30am, rear chapel of All Saints Episcopal at 151 S. Ann St, Mobile, AL. Wednesdays 6-7:30pm online book study: Sleeper, Awake on Facebook, Facebook.com/ WhereTrueLoveIs or by Zoom. Office@Open TableUCC.org. OpenTableUCC.org. Mobile Bay Makers Market – 11am-3pm, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Open air, sustainably driven market showcasing 25+ local artisans and growers. Music. Food trucks. Year-round, family and dog friendly. Free. South Park of Fairhope Pier, Fairhope, AL. MBMakersMarket@gmail.com.

TUESDAYS Yoga Flow & Go – 8-9am. A powerful yet accessible flow to get your day started by skillfully connecting your mind and body. $10. Venmo accepted. Yoga classes for all levels. Ask about the new 1.5-hour Hard Core Restore healing yoga class that meets once a month. It’s a unique class that will truly peel away the layers of life’s stresses and get to the core of who you are. This Restore class is quite pampering and limited in size so as not to dilute the experience. Journey with Angel, 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL. 251-423-7535. Angel.Curtin@gmail.com. JourneyWithAngel.com/yoga-classes. 30-Min Sun Salutation Class – 5:30-6pm. A powerful way to end your day with a short, strong flow to ensure you sleep like a baby. $5. Venmo accepted. Yoga classes for all levels. Journey with

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Angel Studio, 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL. 251-423-7535. Angel.Curtin@gmail.com. JourneyWithAngel.com/yoga-classes.

THURSDAYS Yoga Flow & Go – 8-9am. A powerful yet accessible flow to get your day started by skillfully connecting your mind and body. $10. Venmo accepted. Yoga classes for all levels. Ask about the new 1.5-hour Hard Core Restore healing yoga class that meets once a month. It’s a unique class that will truly peel away the layers of life’s stresses and get to the core of who you are. This Restore class is quite pampering and limited in size so as not to dilute the experience. Journey with Angel, 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL. 251-423-7535. Angel.Curtin@gmail.com. JourneyWithAngel.com/yoga-classes. 30-Min Meditation Class – 5:30-6pm. Excellent chance for beginners and practitioners alike to practice together once a week for stabilizing the busy monkey mind and the calming effects of others doing the same. $5. Venmo accepted. Yoga classes for all levels. Journey with Angel Studio, 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL. 251-423-7535. Angel.Curtin@ gmail.com. JourneyWithAngel.com/yoga-classes. Gulf Coast Creation Care – Every 1st Thursday of the month at 4pm by Zoom. An alliance of faith communities working to focus the Gulf Coast community’s moral attention on the climate crisis. Info@GulfCoastCreationCare.org. GulfCoast CreationCare.org

SATURDAYS Peaceful Warrior Yoga with Angel – 10-11am. Powerful yet accessible flow for all to get your day started by skillfully connecting your mind and body. Yoga classes for all levels. Ask about the new 1.5-hour Hard Core Restore healing yoga class that meets once a month! Venmo accepted. 60-min classes $10; 30-min classes $5. Journey with Angel, 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL. 251-423-7535. Angel.Curtin@gmail.com. JourneyWithAngel.com/yoga-classes. Prism United – 2-4pm. Find community. Be yourself. Serving LGBTQ youth in Mobile and Fairhope through facilitated, activity-based support groups for pre-teens, teens and families. Info@ PrismUnited.org. 251-219-8441. PrismUnited.org.

community directory Connecting you to local resources for natural and green living. To find out how you can be included in the directory, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.

BEAUTY

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TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334 TMACsHairStudio.com A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar effective hair treatments. See ad, page 26.

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Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Gulf Coast Locations from LA to FL 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA registered thermography offers breast screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early stage breast disease and more. Also offering ElectroLymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 17.

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 7.

SIMPLY CBD

Aaron VanHauter, owner 2005 Hwy 98, Daphne, AL 251-586-8890 • Simply-CBD.net

OPEN TABLE UCC

151 S. Ann Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Pastor@OpenTableUCC.org 251-333-0435 • OpenTableUCC.org We are believers, seekers, and skeptics. We are Open Table. Worship Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Providing progressive biblical scholarship and ministries for racial reconciliation, care of creation, and LGBTQ+ support. See ad, page 11.

DEMENTIA HELP MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com

Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is noninvasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 9.

At Simply CBD our goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality hemp-derived CBD products in a multitude of ways, helping you experience the healing benefits you deserve. See ad, back cover.

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3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 7.

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP FAIRHOPE UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-929-3207 • FairhopeUU.org FairhopeUnitarianFellowship@gmail.com

Welcoming people of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or cultural background. We seek truth and knowledge, care for the Earth and show kindness to others while creating an atmosphere of love.

240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com

We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%. See ad, page 9.

FARMERS MARKETS COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET

20733 Miflin Rd. (Co. Rd. 20), Foley, AL 251-709-4469 CoastalAlabamaMarket.com Open year-round on Saturdays only, 9am2pm. Featuring local farms with seasonal produce, meat, eggs, honey, jellies, baked goods, seafood, hand-crafted soaps and more. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

August 2022

NATURE NINE FARMS, LLC

INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE OF LOWER ALABAMA

Foley, AL NatureNineFarms.com

100% sustainable farming practices. Your source for local, ethical-grown food. Pasture raised eggs, grass fed and finished beef. Find us at your local Piggly Wiggly Fairhope, Greers Markets, or order online at NatureNineFarms.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

FOOD & NUTRITION FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 7.

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-210-8615 AlabamaIntegrativeHealth.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine—a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 21.

HEALING JEWELRY KING’S DEDICATION JEWELRY

Charlotte Stutts, Creator and Owner 404-665-6614 KingsDedication@gmail.com KingsDedication.com We create one-of-a-kind healing jewelry with the intention to raise the vibration of humanity and the planet through healing energy exchange and healthy self-awareness. See ad, page 20.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPA

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 7.

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Midtown Mobile, AL 251-270-7200 • 251-586-8198 PeakAlkalinity.com Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower and detoxifying foot spas. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 33.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING National Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health conscious, men and women struggling to prioritize the things that will prolong your life—healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll take you by the hand to offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 19.

ENRG WELLNESS

3099 Loop Rd., Orange Beach, AL 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste 200, Foley, AL 251-240-0842 • enrGIV.com

Vitamin IV lounge and functional medicine clinic.IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Call us for a free consultation. See ad, page 21.

Stay connected.

Like "Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama-Mississippi" on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter and Instagram. 36

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

NAGulfCoast.com

HEALTH COACHING GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

National Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

THRIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & Personal Trainer 251-504-5237 • BeHealthyAndThrive.com Kimberly@BeHealthyAndThrive.com Holistic, Integrative Health Coach specializing in helping busy women get off the diet rollercoaster, release stubborn weight, balance hormones, gain energy and achieve the health they deserve in mind, body and spirit. Come love yourself healthy versus starve yourself thin! See ad, page 26.

MASSAGE THERAPY ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE 6920 Airport Blvd., Ste. 111, Mobile, AL 251-342-6415 ElementsMassage.com/Mobile

A therapeutic massage handcrafted just for you. Reduced stress, elevated mood and a strengthened immune system are all part of experiencing a therapeutic massage The Elements Way. Schedule an appointment today. See ad, page 33.

JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field.

MED SPA

SACRO WEDGY

ENRG WELLNESS

3099 Loop Rd., Orange Beach, AL 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste 200, Foley, AL 251-240-0842 • enrGIV.com Vitamin IV lounge and functional medicine clinic.IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Call us for a free consultation. See ad, page 21.

PERSONAL GROWTH ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA

251-300-9912 • EnergyModelOfChange.com

EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

35 years experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management.

PET CARE & SUPPLIES EVERLOVED VETERINARY

Lydia M. Sullivan, DVM, CCRP, CVMA Serving Mobile and the Eastern Shore CareCoordinator@EverLovedVeterinary.com 251-229-1043 • EverLovedVeterinary.com Providing in-home, veterinary medical acupuncture (for all ages), plus gentle care of geriatric and terminallyill pets in the comfort of your own home. Hospice and euthanasia services available. See ad, page 31.

Therapeutic Alignment System Cindy Littlefield, President 251-653-9258 • SacroWedgy.com Relax on Sacro Wedgy® for 20 minutes of daily therapy to isolate, cradle and elevate only the sacrum. Gravity does the work to help muscles relax and rebalance. Call for a free demo by appointment or order from SacroWedgy.com.

OSTEOSTRONG

Unique System for Developing Skeletal Strength

Josh Fandrich, Owner Fairhope, Mobile 333 Greeno Rd., S OR 27724 Old Shell Rd., Suite D Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me MidtownMobile@OsteoStrong.me

Just 15 minutes, once per week on our proprietary, osteogenic loading equipment can help you build a stronger you. See ad, page 3.

PLANT-BASED FOOD THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com An organic cafe offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch Monday-Saturday. See ad, page 7.

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com An organic cafe offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch Monday-Saturday. See ad, page 7.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

RESTORATIVE YOGA

BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY

JOURNEY WITH ANGEL, LLC

Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Our goal is to truly help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling and joint alignment. See ad, page 5.

Angel Curtin, E-RYT 500, YACEP 368 Commercial Park Dr., Fairhope, AL 251-423-7535 • JourneyWithAngel.com Certified yoga teacher and real estate agent Angel Curtin offers weekly yoga classes and Hard Core Restore—a new monthly 1.5-hour class to focus on true restoration and healing. See ad, page 7.

ROLFING EASTERN SHORE ROLFING Pam Reaves, Certified Rolfer® 22806 Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 706-681-2935

Rolfing® is a holistic approach to manual therapy that seeks to improve your health and function by reestablishing the natural alignment and structural integration of the human body. More information at EasternShoreRolfing.com. See ad, page 11.

SCHOOL OF COSMETOLOGY SKIN CARE & MASSAGE BLUE CLIFF CAREER COLLEGE

Fonda Denney, Director of Education Mobile, AL 251-473-2220 • Blue.edu Equipping individuals to passionately provide effective health and lifestyle services in the areas of beauty, spa, esthetics and therapeutic massage by providing career training through academic studies, hands-on education and community involvement. Find us on Facebook and Instragram @mybluecliff. See ad, page 29.

THERMOGRAPHY THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Gulf Coast Locations from LA to FL 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA registered thermography (digital Infrared thermal i m a g i n g ) o ff e r s b r e a s t screenings that are noninvasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early stage breast disease and more. See ad, page 17.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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August 2022 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

Articles inside

THE GREENING OF PACKAGING

MARK MINCOLLA

PREVENTING DOG DEMENTIA

SUSTAINABLE SHELLFISH

RAISING A WELL-ROUNDED CHILD